After Bay of Islands we returned to Auckland (via a trip to a local garage when the bus broke down a few minutes into the journey). We spent the evening at Kristina's again before grabbing the last two seats on our kiwi bus headed to Hot Water Beach, where you can dig yourself a thermal pool at certain points on the beach! On our bus were Tim, Vicky and Amy who we'd met in BOI as well as Leo, a globetrotting German, and Louise, a girl who Lise knew from home! Small world. We were soon all getting to know eachother and sharing travel stories. I love travelling for the people you meet, all with different backgrounds, stories and experiences, you never meet two people the same.

We arrived at our guesthouse by the beach mid-afternoon but unfortunately it was high tide so we couldn't dig a hot pool til nearly midnight! We checked into our own private cabin then met the others for a walk along the coast to Cathedral Cove. It was gorgeous weather as we headed down the coastal path to the beach where we chilled out in the sun. I can't believe how good the weather has been since we arrived, considering it is supposed to be winter! Sure it won't last though so we'll make the most of it while we can! That evening we had a bbq and drank wine til it was time to head to the beach with a spade and a torch...

It was such a starry night and everyone was in great spirits despite the cold (most people were quite wrapped up except Amy who thought it was a good idea to wear her pyjamas to the beach), but the tide was refusing to budge so we had to wait around a good hour or so before we could try digging.

It was getting late and we were freezing so decided against sticking around til we could strip off and get in properly.. but we did warm up/burn our feet in the bubbling pool before we left. It was a bit of a shame but we've had such good luck with everything so far we couldn't complain. Next stop Waitomo...